The Ministry of Defence Medal Office issues medals to currently serving members of the armed forces, veterans and MOD employees. If you are a member of other services, such as the fire, police or prison service, you should contact your organisations’ Human Resources department in the first instance.

The information in this guide is intended to give a brief overview only.

Announcements

Queens Sapphire Jubilee Medal (Unofficial)

There are currently no plans to issue a new jubilee medal to the British Armed Forces in respect of the 65th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Any medal you may have seen advertised is a commercial venture and has not been given the Sovereign’s permission (February 2017).

Decorations, Gallantry and Distinguished Conduct medals

The awards below are listed in the official ‘order of precedence’, The letters in brackets are put after a person’s surname to show their award.

Victoria Cross (VC)

The Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross is the premier Operational Gallantry award given for ‘most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy’.

It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously. Individuals who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the VC would be issued with a bar.

The MOD Medal Office does not issue this award.

George Cross (GC)

The George Cross

The George Cross is the premier award given for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. This is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.

It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously.

Orders of the Bath and the British Empire

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

The Distinguished Service Order is an operational gallantry award given for highly successful command and leadership during active operations. Personnel who perform a further act of such leadership which would have merited a second award of the DSO would be issued with a gold bar.

It may be awarded to all ranks of the services. This award is not available posthumously.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)

The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross

The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is an operational gallantry award given to all ranks of the services in recognition of an act (or acts) of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy. Personnel who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the CGC would be issued with a silver bar.

Royal Red Cross (Class I) (RRC)

The Royal Red Cross is a Meritorious award given ‘for exceptional devotion and competency in the performance of actual nursing duties…. over a continuous and long period’. Holders of the first class decoration are known as Members (RRC).

These awards are only available to the nursing services and are not available posthumously.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

The Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is an operational gallantry award given to all ranks of the services in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy at sea. Personnel who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the DSC are issued with a silver bar, with rounded ends, ornamented by a crown.

Military Cross (MC)

The Military Cross

The Military Cross is an operational gallantry award given to all ranks of the services in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land. Personnel who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second MC will be issued with a silver bar ornamented by the crown.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

The Distinguished Flying Cross

The Distinguished Flying Cross is an operational gallantry award given to all ranks of the services in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air. Personnel who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the DFC would be issued with a silver bar ornamented by an eagle.

Air Force Cross (AFC)

The Air Force Cross

The Air Force Cross is a non-operational award given to all ranks of the services in recognition of exemplary gallantry while flying not in the presence of the enemy. Personnel who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited the award of a second AFC are issued with a silver bar.

Royal Red Cross (Class II) (ARRC)

The Royal Red Cross (Class 2) front and back

The Royal Red Cross (Class II) is a Meritorious award given for special devotion and competency in the performance of actual nursing duties…. over a continuous and long period’. Holders of the second class decoration are known as Associates (ARRC). Holders of a Royal Red Cross (Class II) (ARRC) who merit a second award are promoted to a Royal Red Cross (Class I) (RRC).

These awards are only available to the nursing services and are not available posthumously.

George Medal (GM)

The George Medal front and back

The George Medal is awarded for conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy. A silver bar may be issued to George Medal holders who perform a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of a second GM.

Queen’s Gallantry Medal (QGM)

The Queen's Gallantry Medal front and back

The Queen’s Gallantry Medal is awarded to civilians for acts of exemplary bravery at
a level below that of the George Medal. The QGM is also awarded to military personnel for acts which military honours would not normally be granted such as acts of exemplary bravery not in the presence of the enemy.

A silver bar may be issued to QGM holders who perform a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of the QGM.

This award is available posthumously.

The MOD Medal Office does not issue this award.

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal (QVRM)

The Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal front and back

The Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal is a meritorious award given for members of any rank of the Volunteer Reserve Forces, for devotion to duty and exemplary service over a period usually of at least 10 years that has been of particular value and an outstanding example to others.

World War 1 medals

All World War 1 medals were issued to the recipient or next of kin after the war ended.

You can only apply if the medal was returned, and you can provide a medal card or roll which includes this information.

The MOD Medal Office does not provide replacement World War 1 medals. You can buy replicas or original named medals from a medal dealer.

1914 Star

The 1914 Star was awarded to personnel who served in France and Belgium between 5 August and 22 November 1914.

1914-15 Star

The 1914-15 Star was awarded to personnel who saw service in any theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915, other than those who had already qualified for the 1914 Star.

British War Medal 1914-20

The British War Medal was awarded to personnel in recognition of the successful conclusion of World War 1. It was later extended until 1920 to cover mine-clearing services and operations in North and South Russia, the eastern Baltic, Siberia, the Black Sea and Caspian.

Victory Medal 1914-19

The Victory Medal was awarded to all personnel who received the 1914 or the 1914-15 Stars. It is often referred to as the Allied War Medal.

World War 2 Medals

Nine stars were issued for the campaigns of World War 2. The colours of the ribbons have symbolic significance and are believed to have been designed personally by King George VI.

No more than 5 stars may be awarded to one person. Those who qualify for more are awarded a clasp with the title of one of the stars to which they qualify. The clasp is then attached to the ribbon of one of the other stars.

If you qualify for 2 or 3 of the Atlantic, Air Crew Europe and France and Germany stars, the first star earned is awarded. You will then receive a clasp with the title of the second star earned to be worn on the ribbon of the first. A third star or clasp will not be awarded in this case.

1939 to 1945 Star

1939 to 1945 Star

The 1939 to 1945 Star is awarded to personnel who completed operational service overseas between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 (2 Sept 1945 in Far East).

The ribbon colours of the ribbon represent the sky, night flying and enemy searchlights to symbolise the continuous service of the Air Force by night and day.

Arctic Star

Arctic Star

The Arctic Star is awarded for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle (66, 32 N) between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. The Arctic Star commemorates the Arctic Convoys that sailed to North Russia in support of the Russian allies.

The colours of the ribbon represent the jungle, the beaches and the 3 services.

If you also qualify for the Burma Star, you will only be awarded the first star you earned. You will then receive a clasp with the title of the second star earned, which is worn on the ribbon of the first.

Burma Star

The Burma Star

The Burma Star is awarded for operational service in Burma between 11 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Those serving in Bengal and Assam in India and China, Hong Kong, Malaya or Sumatra between other specified dates may also qualify.

The colours of the ribbon represent the sun, British and Commonwealth forces.

If you also qualify for the Pacific Star, you will only be awarded the first star earned. You will then receive a clasp with the title of the second star earned which is worn on the ribbon of the first.

Italy Star

The Italy Star

The Italy Star is awarded for operational service in Sicily or Italy between 11 July 1943 and 8 May 1945. Those who served in Yugoslavia, Greece, Corsica or Sardinia between certain other specified dates will also qualify.

1 day afloat in operational areas of the North Sea in the Royal Navy (provided service was directly in support of land operations)

The colours of the ribbon represent the national colours of the United Kingdom,
France and The Netherlands.

Defence Medal

The Defence Medal front and back

The Defence Medal is awarded for non-operational service such as those service personnel working in headquarters, on training bases and airfields and members of the Home Guard. The medal is also awarded for non-operational service overseas for example in India or South Africa.

If your application is successful, you’ll be awarded a GSM with a clasp for the relevant geographical area. If you become eligible for a further clasp, you will not get a second medal. The clasp should be added to the GSM ribbon, worn above the first clasp.

Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal

The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal is issued by the Malaysian Government to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces for service in Malaysia and Singapore in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Applications for the PJM Medal are processed by the Malaysia High Commission. All applications must be endorsed an official organisation such as the Ministry of Defence or veterans associations before the medal can be issued.

A silver rosette may be issued for service on Operations Maidenly and Barras. The rosette is worn on the ribbon of the OSM.

The colours of the ribbon represent the jungle and the 3 services.

Operational Service Medal – Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Medal with Clasp front and back

The Operational Service Medal (OSM) Afghanistan is awarded to personnel who complete operational service on or in support of, operations in Afghanistan from 11 September 2001.

You’ll automatically receive the medal if you’re currently serving and have deployed on a current operation, you don’t need to apply. If you have not received your medal and think you might be entitled, speak to your Unit HR.

served in either Zone 1 or Zone 2 (service in Zone 1 will be recognised with a clasp to the OSM)

The colours of the ribbon represent the landscape of Afghanistan and the 3 services.

Operational Service Medal – Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo Medal

The Operational Service Medal (OSM) Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC) is awarded to personnel who completed operational service in Bunia in the Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 14 June and 10 September 2003.

The Operational Service Medal will be issued with a DROC clasp which should be worn on the ribbon.

The colours of the ribbon represent the landscape of DROC and the 3 services.

Iraq Medal

The Iraq Medal with 19 Mar to 28 Apr 2003 Clasp front and back

The Iraq medal is awarded to personnel who completed operational service in Iraq between 20 January 2003 and 22 May 2011.

To be considered for the medal with clasp ’19 Mar – 28 Apr 03’, you must have:

served in Zone One between 19 March 03 and 28 April 03

completed 7 days continuous service, or

served as aircrew flying into Zone One and completed 2 or more operational sorties (no more than 1 sortie per day)

To be considered for the medal only, you must have:

completed 30 days continuous service in either Zone One or Zone Two, or

served as aircrew flying into Zones One or Two, or

served as aircrew based outside of Iraq and completed 10 operational sorties (no more than 1 sortie per day)

The clasp is to be worn on the ribbon of the medal. The colours of the ribbon represent the Iraq landscape.

Criteria for this medal is complex and the above is a guide only. If you think you might be eligible, contact the MOD Medal Office.

General Service Medal 2008

The General Service Medal 2008 Medal with Southern Asia Clasp front and back

The General Service Medal (GSM) 2008 is awarded to army, RAF, Royal Navy and
Royal Marines personnel who served on operations from 1 January 2008 in the following geographical areas:

Eastern Africa

Western Africa

Arabian Peninsula

Northern Africa

Southern Asia

In order to qualify for the above clasps, specific criteria must be met. You’ll automatically receive the medal if you’re currently serving and are eligible, you don’t need to apply. If you have not received your medal and think you might be entitled, speak to your Unit HR.

If your application is successful, you’ll be awarded the GSM with a clasp for the relevant geographical area.

If you become eligible for further clasp, you will not get a second medal. The clasp should be added to the GSM medal ribbon, worn above the first clasp.

It is expected that further operations and clasps will be added to the GSM 08 as time progresses. The Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) decides which operations qualify for the GSM 08, not the MOD Medal Office.

Ebola Medal

Ebola Medal for service in West Africa front and back

The Ebola Medal is awarded for service in the Joint Operational Area within West Africa between 23 March 2014 and 29 March 2016.

Applications for the Ebola Medal are no longer being processed.

Coronation and Jubilee medals

HM The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal 1977

HM The Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal

The Silver Jubilee Medal was awarded to personnel to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II accession.

The MOD Medal Office no longer issues this medal.

HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal 2002

HM The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal

The Golden Jubilee Medal was awarded to personnel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II accession.

For every additional 10 years’ service with a clear record you’ll be issued a clasp. For example, if you qualify and have served 26 years you will receive the medal and clasp.

Volunteer Reserves Service Medal

The Volunteer Reserves Service Medal

The Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (VRSM) replaced the separate medals that used to be issued to personnel of the separate Reserve Forces in April 1999.

The VRSM is awarded to both officers and other ranks of the:

Royal Naval and Royal Marine Reserves

Army Reserves (formerly the Territorial Army)

Royal Auxiliary Air Force

These medals may still be issued for qualifying service ending before 1 April 1999:

Royal Naval Reserve Decoration

Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Reserve

Territorial Decoration

Efficiency Medal for the Army Reserve

Air Efficiency Award for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force

To be considered for the VRSM, you must have:

10 years’ reckonable service in the Reserve Forces

earned a training bounty in 9 out of the 10 qualifying years

If you go on to serve an additional 5 years reckonable service you’ll be issued a clasp. The clasp should be worn on the ribbon of the VRSM.

There are complex rules for service that has been both regular and reserve.

If you think you might be eligible, please contact your Unit HR or apply to the MOD Medal Office.

Further information can be found in DCI JS 53/99 and AP3392 Vol 7 Leaflet 702 Annex B.

Cadet Forces Medal

The Cadet Forces Medal

The Cadet Forces Medal (CFM) is awarded in recognition of long service in the Cadet Forces.

To be considered, you must:

be an officer or uniformed adult instructor

have 12 years’ reckonable service

At the discretion of service boards, the following are not counted as breaks in continuity of service for the medal:

any break which does not exceed 6 months

breaks of up to 3 years’ by reason of change in place of residence or changing in civilian employment

Up to 3 years’ service with any of the following may be used towards the CFM if it’s not been used towards another medal:

Reserve Forces

Regular Forces

Officer Training Corps

University Air Squadrons

If you go on to complete a further 6 years’ service, you’ll be issued a clasp (it doesn’t need to be continuous). Prior to 1991, 8 years additional service was required. The clasp should be worn on the ribbon of the CFM.

You can’t apply for this medal. Recommendations are to be made in accordance with JSP 814, Policy and Regulations for MOD Sponsored Cadet Organisations.

The Elizabeth Cross: Died on Operations Recognition Award

The Elizabeth Cross and miniature

The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll are granted to the next of kin of regular, reserve or Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel who have died on operations, or as a result of an act of terrorism since 1 January 1948:

whilst serving on an operation in which personnel received a Campaign Medal, GSM or OSM

whilst serving on an operation in which personnel received a UN, NATO (or other international body) or another nations’ campaign medal in the absence of a UK medal

as a result of an act of terrorism where the available evidence suggests they were targeted because of their membership of the UK armed forces

on a non medal earning operational task where death has been caused by the inherent high risk of the task

a subsequent and premature death as a result of an injury or illness attributed to the circumstances outlined above

Recipients and how to apply

You can apply for both the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll. For retrospective claims and when the next of kin is deceased, their legal successor may apply.

An additional Memorial Scroll only is available to the following (or their legal successors) where they are not the next of kin:

the parents of the deceased

the spouse or partner of the deceased, or someone who had a substantive relationship with the deceased

Order of wear

There are strict rules surrounding the wearing of medals and decorations.

The latest full list of the British Orders of Knighthood, decorations, medals and the order of wear can be found in the 2003 publication of The London Gazette

You can contact the Medals Office if you have a query about the order of wear.

Wearing of medals

You should only wear official decorations, medals or emblems which you are entitled to and have been approved for acceptance and wear. Unofficial medals should not be worn with official orders, decorations and medals.

If you are the next of kin of a deceased service person, it is common practice to wear your relative’s decorations and medals as a mark of remembrance. It is custom to wear medals on the right breast in civilian dress only, official approval is not required to wear relative’s medals.